Niles MSU250 Installation & Operation Manual

MSU250 B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E ® I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N G U I D E DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 24

Introduction 1 Features and Benefits 2 MSU250 Parts Guide 4 Installation Considerations 5 Installation 8 Testing the IR Extender System 11 Power Status 13 Trouble- Shooting 16 Specifications 19 Contents 19 Addendum 20 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T MSU250 Infrared Main System Unit Introduction An infrared (IR) extender system enables you to control your IR remote controlled A/V equipment from a remote location. This enables you to place your A/V components out of sight (behind cabinet doors, in the rear of a room, or in a different room) and still conveniently operate your equipment. Installed at the equipment location, the MSU250 receives the IR commands transmitted from your existing hand-held remotes in that room. The commands are carried via a small category 5 cable to your A/V equipment in another room, and instantly “repeated”. The MSU250 is compatible with all current Niles infrared systems. It may be used along with the Niles TS100, MS100, MS200, WS100, MVC100IR and CS100 IR sensors or the IntelliPad®. The model MSU250 is an IR Main System Unit. It is one of three elements that make up an infrared extender system: • IR Main System Unit—Models MSU140, MSU250, MSU480 and MSU440Z. • IR Sensors/Keypads—Models WS100, TS100, MS100, MS200, CS100, MVC100IR and the IntelliPad. • IR Flashers—Models MF1, MF2, MF1VF, MF2VF and the IRB1. An IR sensor expansion unit, Model IRH610, is available for IR repeater systems used in more than six rooms. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 1

E M U N I T Features and Benefits The MSU250 offers a number of improvements over other IR Extender Main System Units: • Universal system—compatible with virtually all brands of A/V equipment and remote controls. • Accommodates two IR sensors or keypads. • Provides five flasher outputs via convenient 3.5mm jacks. • System feedback LED confirms operation. • 12VDC Output—This is useful for triggering external devices and system automation. • 3-30V AC/DC status input. Provides system status to connected sensors and keypads. • Expandable—an IRH610 IR expansion hub can be used to provide additional inputs. • 2x variable flasher out (4 + 5). • Printed circuit board design assures high reliability. • Low profile and small footprint with integrated mounting wings that allow for both horizontal and vertical installation. • UL listed regulated in-line power supply with universal voltage capability. • Two year parts and labor warranty. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 2

E M U N I T Niles IR Flasher MSU250 WS100 IR Sensor Power, IR data, status signal and ground via category 5 wire Stereo Receiver 12VDC power supply (supplied with the MSU250 Main System Unit) plugged into an unswitched AC outlet powers the system 12VDC power supply (Not Supplied) plugged into the switched outlet Niles stock#FG00665 Figure 1 Connecting the WS100 to a Niles MSU250 Main System Unit broadcasting a status feedback signal. In a typical system, the MSU250 provides for the connection for two remote room sensors (or keypads) and will control multi- ple audio/video components via its flasher connections. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 3

E M U N I T MSU250 Parts Guide 1. 12VDC Jack – Provides 12 volt DC power to MSU via a regulated power supply. 2. IR Flasher Outputs – 3.5mm jacks provide output for either single or dual (MF1, MF1VF, MF2, MF2VF) low-level flashers. 3. 3-30V AC/DC Status – 3.5mm jack provides system status to sensors/ keypads via a 12V power supply attached to a switched outlet on the system receiver or a 12V trigger output. 4. 12V Output – When 12 volts is detected at the status jack (#3) the 12V output jack will output 12V/200mA DC. This is useful for triggering external devices and system automation. 5. Status/IR Confirmation LED – This LED performs two functions: (1) it provides a visible indication of system status via a green LED and (2) confirms the reception of IR data via a blinking blue LED. 6. Flasher Hi/Lo switch – Setting these switches to the appropriate position allows you to connect either a high output flooding flasher (IRB1) or low output microflashers (MF1, MF1VF, MF2, MF2VF). 7. Sensor Input – Removable quick connect sensor plug for connection of IR sensors to the system. 1 3 7 4 2 6 5 DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 4

Place the MSU250 conveniently close to the equipment it will be controlling. Generally, the unit is placed in a concealed location because its controls and indicators are only used dur- ing installation. Placement possibilities include: 1) Table-top (on the floor or shelf behind the equipment) (Figure 2). 2) Wall-mount (affixed to the back of the equipment cabinet or a nearby wall) (Figure 3). 5 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T IMPORTANT Do not place the MSU250 on top of or directly behind a television set. Some television sets produce intense electro- magnetic interfer- ence which may disable your IR extender system. Figure 2: Table-top placement Affix the enclosed self-adhesive rubber feet to the base of the MSU250. Self-Adhesive Rubber Feet 1 POWER +12V DC FLAS Figure 3: Wall-mount placement Use sheetrock screws. 1 2 3 4 POWER +12V DC 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN FLASHER OUTPUTS MSU140 IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT INPUT 1 MSU250 Base DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 5

category 5 cable back to the MSU250. Home run means that an individual cable is connected between each IR Sensor and the MSU250 (Figure 4). 6 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T “TECH TIP” Wire size is expressed by it’s AWG (American Wire Gauge) num- ber. The lower the AWG number, the larger the wire, i.e., 20 AWG wire is physi- cally larger than 22 AWG. IMPORTANT – AVOIDING INTERFERENCE Avoid locating any of the cables, Sensors, Keypads or the Main System Unit near any potential sources of Electro- Magnetic Interference (EMI), such as light dimmers, speed controls for ceiling fans, electrical ballasts, television sets, large motors, heaters or air conditioners. Figure 4: Home run the sensor cable from the sensor to the MSU250. D A T A S T A T U S G N D + 12 V Remotely Located IR Sensors SENSORS IN DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 6

keypads) in one room you may “daisy-chain” using a single cable. A cable is run between the keypad and the sensor and a single cable is run from either the sensor back to the MSU250. To prevent data feedback an IN4003 Blocking Diode is inserted on the data (IR) line between the IntelliPad and the sensor. The cathode, or blocking side of the diode, faces the IntelliPad. (Figure 5). Note that status wire is connected to IntelliPad’s sta- tus (+) connector. Sensor/Keypad Cable The MSU250 connects to IR sensors and the IntelliPad with category 5 cable, with a maximum cable run of 500'. Flasher Cable Niles infrared flashers come supplied with a 10 foot 2-conduc- tor 22 gauge cable. Should you need to extend it, use a 16 gauge 2-conductor cable (“zip-cord”). Shielding is not neces- sary for a flasher. Flasher wires can be extended up to 200'. 7 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN Figure 5: An IR sensor cable is “daisy-chained” from an IntelliPad, to a sensor and back to the MSU250. IN4003 Blocking Diode DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 7

the flasher cables and the 12VDC power supply cable will all reach the proposed location of the MSU250. Mark the cables with labels describing where the cable originates (rather than which terminal on the MSU250 it should connect). For proper installation, follow the steps outlined below in the correct order. If you discover a fault in the course of installa- tion, go on to the Troubleshooting Guide before continuing with the next installation step. 8 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T TOOLS REQUIRED • 1/8" Standard Slotted Screwdriver • Wire Stripper WS100 Sensor To unswitched AC Outlet Figure 6: MSU250 Installation. MSU250 Sensor Connection MSU250 To Niles IR Flasher To 12V DC Power Supply Plugged into an switched AC Outlet. Typically found in back of a receiver. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 8

E M U N I T STEP DESCRIPTION 1. Connect and test the power supply. If it tests OK, unplug the connector from the power socket and proceed. A) Plug the supplied 12VDC power supply into an unswitched 120 volt AC outlet, 50-60 HZ . B) Plug the connector into the socket marked “Power” on the MSU250. C) If the Power LED does not light, test the unswitched 120 volt AC outlet, 50-60 HZ with another appliance. If the outlet tests OK, you have a defective power supply which must be replaced for you to continue. 2. Connect the Sensor/Keypad cable the Sensor input. A) Strip 1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly twist the end of each wire until no frayed ends remain. B) Use a small flathead screwdriver or your thumbnail to raise the locking tabs, exposing the holes on the removable connectors. C) Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable connector plug (Figure 6), and snap the locking tab down. To help you, the connector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. Don’t force the scalloped side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 9

E M U N I T STEP DESCRIPTION BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY WHEN EXTENDING THE FLASHER WIRE. The wire lead marked with a gray stripe is positive (+); the unmarked lead is negative (-). 3. Test for shorts and interference. A) Reconnect the power supply. If the Power LED lights and the IR Test LED stays off, unplug the connector from the power socket and proceed to Step 4. The following LED conditions show a fault: •If Power LED is off there is a short between +12V and GND. •If IR Test LED is on or flickers blue there is a short between DATA and GND or interference is present. Before you proceed to Step 4 consult the Troubleshooting Section beginning on page 14. 4. Plug the flashers into the flasher outputs. If you need to extend the wire, use a 2-conductor 16 gauge or larger (See “Tech Tip” on page 6). Route the connecting wire to the IR Main System Unit. Connect the 3.5mm plug into the jack labeled “Flasher Output” on the MSU250 (Figure 7). “TECH TIP” Make all final connections to the MSU before connecting the power supply. This will avoid potential damage to components. Figure 7 DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 10

E M U N I T Testing the IR Extender System Test your IR Extender system by following the three principal guidelines: 1. All components can be operated. Test all of your remote controls for all of your equipment. 2. Operation is consistent. A good test is to repeatedly step from Pause to Play with your VCR, CD, DVD, or Tape player remote control. Operation should be identical to standing in front of the component with the remote control pointed directly at the sensor window. 3. Maximum Range between the Remote Control and the Niles IR Sensor is similar to the maximum range between the Remote Control and the A/V component’s IR sensor. Typically a remote control with two batteries will have a 15 to 20 foot range and a remote with four batteries will have a 20 to 30 foot range. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 11

E M U N I T 12 Volt Trigger Output The Niles MSU250 provides a 12VDC output that can be trig- gered one of two ways: 1. The presence of status voltage on the 12VDC status input jack. 2. Discrete infrared on and off commands. The discrete on and off commands are available for download at: www.nilesaudio.com/techsupport. This output can be used to trigger any device that requires 12VDC to be activated. Example include: • Dropping a motorized screen. • Activating a television lift. • Turning on a voltage controlled switching device (e.g.: Niles AC-3 voltage controlled switched outlet). Installation Simply plug a cable with a 3.5mm plug (tip=positive, sleeve=ground) into the jack labeled “12VDC/200mA OUT- PUT”. Connect the other end of the cable to the device that will be triggered or activated (Figure 8). 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN Figure 8 DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 12

E M U N I T Power Status — Introduction To properly wire an IntelliPad to the MSU250, refer to Figure 5. By providing 3-30 volt AC/DC to the status input jack of your MSU250 you can send a status signal to sensors or an IntelliPad without running any additional wiring. Built into the MSU250 is a Niles status signal generator. When the MSU250 sees 3-30 volt AC/DC at the status jack it broadcasts a status signal over your existing IR sensor wires. Any sensor or IntelliPad connect- ed to one of your sensor wires will display the power status of your system. Power Status — Installation Considerations Proper Power Supply If status is being supplied from a switched outlet you must con- nect a Niles 12VDC wall adapter (Niles FG00665) into the switched AC power outlet of the preamp/receiver in your system. Any 12VDC power supply with a minimum of 100mA current capacity can be substituted. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 13

E M U N I T Extending the Cable If you must extend the cable from the wall adapter to the MSU250’s status input jack be sure to maintain correct polari- ty. The tip of the plug should be positive (+) and the sleeve negative (-). Any 16 gauge 2-conductor cable can be used to extend the power status cable up to 200'. Checking the Power Supply It is possible to check the status power supply itself and any connections that were made to extend the cable by inserting the status plug into the Power jack on the MSU250. If the Power LED lights the status power supply and connections are ok. If the Power LED does not light check all connections and replace the power supply if necessary. For more details on incorporating the IntelliPad please refer to the IntelliPad’s users manual. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 14

POWER STATUS +12V DC IRH610 IR EXPANSION HUB INPUT 1 INPUT 4 INPUT 5 INPUT 6 INPUT 2 INPUT 3 12VDC Power supply (Not Supplied) plugged into a switched outlet Niles stock#FG00060A IRH610 Expansion Hub MSU250 Main System Unit Infrared Sensors Figure 9 Wiring diagram for expanding a system using the IRH610 Infrared Expansion Hub. 15 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 15

of an IRH610 Infrared Sensor Expansion Hub. Please see your authorized Niles dealer or refer to the IRH610 manual for details. Troubleshooting Guidelines There are three basic problems which prevent proper opera- tion. In the order of probability the problems are: 1. Bad Connections or Wiring If the connections or wiring are wrong, loose, shorted or open the system will not operate properly. The symptoms could include: Power LED flickers or is off, IR Test LED is continuously flickering or on without any remote control use, intermittent operation or no operation. Systematically troubleshoot the wiring by: 1. Testing your power supply connections. 2. Testing your Sensor connections. 3. Testing your Flasher connections. 4. Testing your cable for shorts and opens. 16 I N F R A R E D M A I N S Y S T E M U N I T DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 16

E M U N I T 2. Optical or Electromagnetic Interference Direct sunlight, reflections, neon signs and other sources of infrared light or television sets, light dimming controls and other sources of electromagnetic fields can induce noise and interference into your IR extender system. Symptoms can include: flashback LED’s continuously flickering or on without any remote control use, poor range, intermittent operation or no operation. Solution: To eliminate EMI try the following methods: 1. Move the sensor or the sensor cable away from the EMI source or move the source of the EMI away from the sensor or the cable. 2. Connect the Sensor’s GND terminal to true earth ground (if this isn’t feasible use the main system unit’s GND terminal). DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 17

E M U N I T 3. Optical Feedback Loop If you have an IR sensor in the same room as a flasher, and you have some low-level noise or interference, an optical feedback loop can occur which will interfere with proper operation. Symptoms can include: poor range, intermittent operation or no operation. Solution: You can eliminate optical feedback by replacing any IRB1 “flooding flasher” with MF1 or MF2 MicroFlashers and covering all flashers with the supplied IR blocking covers. There are many methods for reducing interference. Which solution is best for you depends on your situation. If you require further assistance contact Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 18

E M U N I T Specifications IR System Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier frequencies between 26 and 105kHz. Wiring Requirements Individual home-runs of category 5 cable from each sensor/keypad. Unit Dimensions 5-11/16” wide x 1-1/4” high x 2” deep. Power Requirements 12 VDC power supply (included). Contents MSU250 1 Screwless Connectors 2 In-line Power Supply 1 Self-Adhesive Rubber Feet 4 DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 19

E M U N I T Addendum: Using the MSU250 with the IntelliControl® automation system 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN 150 OHm Resistor Using the MSU250 with the IntelliControl Home Theater automation system When connecting an MSU flasher output to an IntelliControl “Home Theater” port, a 150-Ohm resistor must be placed between the data and the ground line of the IntelliControl IR sensor input (see figure above). No resistor is needed if the MSU is being connected to the ”2nd Zone” port of the IntelliControl. DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 20

E M U N I T Notes DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 21

E M U N I T Notes DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 22

Miami, Florida, 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 ©2004 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, IntelliPad and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. MicroFlasher is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation. Because we strive to improve our products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. The technical and other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other specifications of Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line at www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at 1-800-289-4434. 01/04 Printed in China DS00328ACN DS00328ACN_MSU250.qxp 2/27/04 10:10 AM Page 23